> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Introducing: Pellitory-of-the-wall - URL: https://betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io/introducing-pellitory-of-the-wall/ - Published: 2026-11-02T15:43:25.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-02T15:43:25.000Z - Author: 437555 ### By 437555, Student Medical Herbalist ### Who? *Parietaria judaica* L. but to you and me, Pellitory-of-the-wall. Also known as ‘Billy Beatie’ in Ireland and ‘Wall sage’ in Warwickshire (Grigson, 1958). *P. judaica* is used interchangeably with *P. diffusa* (or *P. officinalis*) in many sources; or even treated as synonyms (Rose, 2006; BSBI, 2026). From the same family as the stinging nettle (Urticaceae) these cousins share some qualities: both are diuretic and supportive of lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Fisher, 2018). Plant constituents include flavonoids, phenolic acids and glucoproteins (Fisher, 2018) and it is regarded a ‘strong’ diuretic (Hoffmann, 2003). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/Parietaria-1-1-1.jpeg) Image description: pellitory-of-the-wall, a leafy plant around 15 cm, growing from a brick wall. Leaves are glossy, green and veined. Image author’s own. ### Nice to meet you A perennial plant often found growing from walls or rocks, slightly fuzzy with a reddish stem and green, alternate leaves (Rose, 2006). The tiny flowers are easy to miss! It is [of ‘least concern’ on plant conservation red lists](https://bsbi.org/taxa/2cd4p9h.vq4/parietaria-judaica?ref=betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io) and found in the UK, most commonly in England (BSBI, 2026) so you can gather within usual foraging ethics. Take from clean areas and, if storing, air-dry on a muslin or rack away from sunlight until absolutely dry. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/Parietaria-flos-1-1.jpeg) Image description: close up of Pellitory-of-the-wall stem showing small, yellow-pink buds and flowers in leaf axils. Image author's own. ### Have we met before? Mentioned in old herbals such as Grieve and Gerard, *Parietaria* has been used historically for coughs, kidney and bladder stones, urinary issues and externally on wounds (Gerard, 1633). Its current primary use is for the urinary system: nephritis, pyelitis, renal colic, (acute conditions relating to the kidneys); reducing oedema with its diuretic qualities; prostrate issues and kidney stones (Fisher, 2018). However it has fallen out of fashion, so you may not have met before! ### Can I use this at home? Its diuretic and demulcent qualities make *Parietaria* beneficial for soothing urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTI most commonly refers to cystitis or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra: more common in women); but also includes infection in the kidneys which is more serious. [For more on UTIs read this article on patient info.com](https://patient.info/kidney-urinary-tract/urinary-tract-infections?ref=betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io). Cystitis symptoms can include burning or pain when urinating; an increase in frequency or urgency to urinate; pain in your tummy or back; generally unwell or with a raised temperature (from the [NHS quick guide to UTIs](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/?ref=betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io).) To help, use fresh or dried *Parietaria* in recently boiled water to make a tea. Cover and infuse for 10-15 minutes then drink a cup, 2-3 times a day. This will additionally benefit by increasing your fluid intake! Cystitis can be treated at home, however if it does not clear up, or if it returns frequently, do seek help. ### Anything else? Gather fresh to crush into a poultice and apply direct to burns and small wounds. Or include in a home herbal tea blend to utilise its kidney tonic qualities (Jones, 2023). Add to several other herbs and drink occasionally to gain benefits without the medicinal dose. ### A word of caution If you suffer from allergies, respiratory allergies or hayfever this may not be for you: the pollen can aggravate respiratory allergies in particular. Gather before the flowers appear, in spring / early summer, or avoid altogether if you are strongly allergic. Otherwise, *Parietaria* is safe for home use, with no known drug interactions or side effects (Hoffmann, 2003). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/Parietaria-Pocock.jpg) BM001161306 Parietaria judaica L. by NATT-at-NKM. CCBY2.0\. [https://flickr.com/photos/75001205@N02/15303125558/in/album-72157648522730136](https://flickr.com/photos/75001205@N02/15303125558/in/album-72157648522730136?ref=betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io) ### How do I find a herbalist? Professional herbalist bodies like [NIMH](https://nimh.org.uk/seeaherbalist/?ref=betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io) and [CPP](https://thecpp.uk/find-your-local-herbalist/?ref=betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io) have registers of qualified herbal practitioners; while herbal student clinics like [Betonica Herbal Clinic](https://www.betonica.co.uk/herbal-clinic?ref=betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io) can be a more affordable option. --- ## References Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI) (2026) *Parietaria judaica* L.(Pellitory-of-the-wall) https://bsbi.org/taxa/2cd4p9h.vq4/parietaria-judaica Fisher, C. (2018). *Materia medica of western herbs.* Aeon books. Gerrard, J. and Johnson T. (1633). *The herbal or general history of plants.* Grigson, G. (1958). *The Englishman’s flora*. Granada Publishing. Hoffmann, D. (2003). *Medical herbalism: the science and practice of herbal medicine.* Healing arts Press. Jones, L. (2023). *A working herbal dispensary: respecting herbs as individuals*. Aeon Books. Rose, F. & O’Reilly, C. (2006). *The wild flower key: how to identify wild flowers trees and shrubs in Britain and Ireland*. Frederick Warne. --- ## Social Media Post A post for Instagram ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/Pellitory-of-the-wall-1.png) \-Grows in castle or home walls, in waste land or a bus stop. \-Diuretic and demulcent: what conditions could this help? We discuss one common ailment. Meet Pellitory-of-the-wall in our blog post: link in bio. For more on herbal medicine follow @betonicaschoolofherbalmedicine @theherbsocietyUK #PellitoryOfTheWall #Parietaria #HerbalMedicine #HealingWeeds